Real Estate Agents

Successful real estate agents are at the office every day, just as they would be for any other full time job. They might come and go as they work with buyer and seller leads, but their office is their home base, the place where people who want to buy and sell real estate find them.

You'll Spend Money for Awhile, Not Make It

Typical real estate agent expenses include:

* Pre-licensing school costs
* Licensing exam fees
* Required business licensing
* Fees to join a local Multiple Listing Service (MLS)
* Fees to join a local Board of Realtors (usually in conjunction with the MLS)
* Ongoing fees for local real estate boards (quarterly or monthly)
* Expenses of doing business, which vary depending on the agency you choose, and can include all of your postage, phone calls, copies, advertising and much more
* A dependable vehicle
* Additional auto insurance to cover increased liability for business passengers
* Gas expense
* Increased mileage that lowers your vehicle's value
* Errors and omissions insurance coverage
* Optional training to learn effective sales methods or to acquire special certification

People decide to become real estate agents for many reasons. Many like to work with the public. Some want to be in control of their own schedules. Others are interested in buying real estate for themselves and think that agents have access to "the best deals."

No matter what your motivations, take a little time to become familiar with the realities of being a real estate agent before you jump in and become licensed.